Good morning,
It is an honour to join you today as Bermuda’s Deputy Premier and newly appointed Minister of Housing and Municipalities, to officially open the Bermudiana Beach Residences.
This project has had a long and complex journey—navigating global market shifts, public health challenges, and evolving development goals. Originally envisioned as Grand Atlantic, it has now been successfully reimagined into a vibrant, residential beachfront community. Despite the many hurdles, we are proud to deliver a completed project that enhances the island’s housing stock and raises the standard for modern living.
I wish to acknowledge my predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel David Burch, whose unwavering commitment helped guide this development through its final stages. Thanks to his leadership, and the continued hard work of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, we now welcome 94 newly completed residential units, featuring:
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25 studio apartments
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25 one-bedroom units
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28 two-bedroom units
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16 three-bedroom units
These thoughtfully designed homes form a multi-family community ideal for young professionals, couples, and small families, and include beach access, fitness areas, a pool, and space for future amenities such as a restaurant and spa.
While the expected rental values—ranging from $3,000 and $7,000 per month—reflect the property’s exceptional quality, amenities, and location, we recognize that this development is only part of the solution. The urgent need for truly affordable housing remains, and we are committed to addressing it.
And that is the critical next step.
Today, while we celebrate this success, we also acknowledge the larger challenge: Bermuda needs more affordable housing—urgently.
That’s why the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will immediately intensify efforts with our partners, including the Bermuda Housing Corporation, Bermuda Housing Trust, and the private sector, to accelerate the production of accessible, affordable homes for Bermudians.
In the coming weeks, we will present a medium - to long-term housing strategy focused on the following prioritizes:
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Affordable rental developments targeted at low- to middle-income households
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Rent-geared-to-income programmes for working families
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Innovative use of land and derelict buildings
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Public-private partnerships to expand housing opportunities
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New solutions to address the needs of single parents and young Bermudians trying to enter the housing market.
Already, nine units at Bermudiana Beach are occupied, with thirteen more under agreement, and eight local real estate agencies are engaged in ongoing tenant showings. With estimated annual rent revenue of $6.1 million, and additional Requests for Proposals underway for a restaurant and wellness centre, this site will continue to evolve and serve as an anchor development for the Warwick community.
Let me be clear: this is a step forward, but it is not the destination.
The journey continues—and the next phase is about affordability, inclusion, and equity.
This Government remains deeply committed to delivering housing solutions that improve quality of life for all Bermudians. That means taking bold, innovative action and keeping affordability at the centre of our strategy.
We will do this work transparently, in partnership with stakeholders across all sectors, and with a sense of urgency that reflects the real needs of our people.
Thank you to all who made today possible.
Together, we will build a Bermuda where safe, secure, and affordable housing is a reality for all.